Baby Cradle – Things to Consider When Buying

A baby cradle is one of the first items you purchase for your little one. If you get it toward the end of your pregnancy, just seeing it in the house fills your heart with delight! Picking the right baby cradle is essential for your baby’s safety, sleep and comfort since he will spend considerable time in it. He can only be fully rested and ready to learn new skills when he sleeps well. So, the cradle you buy must meet all the required safety and comfort guidelines to suit your little prince or princess. How can you be sure you’re making the right choice? Simple – follow our baby cradle buying guide!

Buying a Baby Cradle – What to Look For?

Ordering a baby cradle on the market or the internet seems simple enough, right? But your little one is super delicate and needs only the gentlest care. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect cradle for your little one.

1. Pick As Per Your Baby’s Age

Cradles and cribs are designed with the age of the baby in mind. Follow this rule of thumb when shopping for your baby:

• Till 6-8 Months: It is generally safe for babies to use cradles until 6-8 months.
• Till 3 Years: After the age of 8 months, it is recommended that the baby be moved to a crib.
• 3 Years +: Many parents transition the child to a bed at this age, though this can vary across children. Pick a cradle or crib, depending on your baby’s age.

2. Check for Compliance With Safety Standards

This is the most crucial consideration for cradle safety. Make sure the product complies with accepted cradle safety standards for design, structure, usage, etc. Confirm this with the seller. For example, RforRabbit, a company that offers a wide range of baby gear products, is fully safety standards certified. Their baby cradle is EN Certified, which is the most stringent certification defined by European standards for baby safety.

3. Pick a Sturdy Baby Cradle Mattress

The mattress inside the cradle must be sturdy and stable. It should fit snugly into the cradle with no loose ends. Look for a cradle that comes with strong mattress support.

4. Automatic Swing Option

While baby cradles have certainly modernised, there’s one timeless technique that all mothers know will never lose its charm: swinging! It’s a scientifically proven fact that gently swinging babies, much like in a hammock, is an effective way to help them fall asleep. When choosing a cradle, consider one that allows you to swing the baby safely. The RforRabbit Auto Swing Baby Cradle is a great choice, as it features an automatic and manual swing mechanism, ensuring your baby’s safety and comfort. The automatic swing, fashioned like an Indian style baby cradle, can be controlled and timed as desired, with a simple on/off mechanism.

5. Get a Cradle With Either Lockable or No Wheels

It can be tempting to purchase a cradle with wheels to move it around easily. However, an infant cradle with wheels can become dangerous as soon as your baby learns to stand up. If you want a cradle with wheels, ensure the wheels can be locked when not in use.

6. Lullabies to Help Babies Sleep

Mothers know that a lullaby is one of the most effective ways to help babies sleep. But there may be occasions when you are unable/unavailable to sing to your baby. These days, you can get baby cradles with stored lullabies that can soothe your babies at any time! The RforRabbit Auto Swing Baby Cradle offers 18 tunes and six nature sounds that can be used to help the baby fall asleep. Check for this feature when buying a cradle for your baby; it can come in handy.

Did You Know?

According to a recent report, only 5% of parents of babies up to six months are getting the recommended amount of sleep each night! As many as 43% of new parents get only 1-3 hours of uninterrupted sleep, which means severe sleep deprivation! In this scenario, getting up at midnight and trying to help the baby fall asleep by swinging or singing a lullaby can be highly taxing. Both experts and moms agree that opting for a cradle with lullabies and auto swings can be helpful to combat sleep deprivation in both mothers and babies.

7. Avoid Cradles With Sleep Positioners

Some cradles come with sleep positioners intended to keep the baby sleeping on their back through the night. Sleeping on the back is recommended to avoid the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). However, sleep positioners can become suffocation hazards. It is best to avoid them and periodically check on the baby to ensure they sleep in the right position.

Note: By the time your baby is old enough to roll over, the risk of SIDS is very low.

8. Choose Cradle of a Comfortable Height

Even when your baby is merrily sleeping away in the cradle, and it seems like the nap will easily last for some time, you can never be sure! Babies wake up frequently when hungry, need a diaper change, miss their mother, etc. This means you will have to pick up your baby several times. Choose a cradle that is of a convenient height for you.

9. Ensure Portability & Ease of Travel

The cradle you pick should be flexible enough to transport if needed. You might have to travel with your baby during the initial months, making a portable cradle a must.

What Are the Benefits of Cradle for Baby?

A cradle offers numerous advantages that can contribute to a baby’s comfort and development. Understanding these benefits can help parents choose the best sleeping solution for their infant. Here are some key benefits of using a cradle for babies:

1. Promotes Better Sleep

A cradle’s gentle rocking motion mimics the soothing movements experienced in the womb, helping babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This can lead to more restful nights for the baby and the parents.

2. Enhances Safety

Cradles are designed with high safety standards, featuring sturdy construction and secure mattress supports. This ensures the baby is in a safe environment, reducing the risk of falls or injuries.

3. Provides a Cosy Environment

The enclosed design of a cradle creates a snug and comforting space for the baby. This can help infants feel secure and reduce the chances of startling awake due to the Moro reflex.

4. Encourages Healthy Development

The gentle rocking of a cradle can help develop the baby’s vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This early stimulation can support overall physical development.

Precautions to Take When Using a Baby Cradle or Crib

Ensuring the safety and well-being of your baby is paramount when using a cradle or crib. By taking necessary precautions, parents can create a secure sleeping environment that minimises risks and promotes restful sleep. Here are some essential precautions when using a baby cradle.

• Remove any decorations attached to the cradle in its packaging, such as bows, strings, streamers, etc. Cradle accessories are best avoided, especially at sleep time. Babies are curious by nature and might get hurt trying to tug at/swallow these decorations.
• Do not use pillows, soft toys, etc., in the cradle, as they can cause suffocation. If your baby is playing with toys in the cradle, remove them when he sleeps.
• Check that there aren’t any broken/loose screws, sharp edges, hardware, etc., anywhere in the cradle or mattress.
• Choose to place the cradle or crib away from windows, wires, blinds, etc. Babies could strangle cords or get hurt.

FAQs

1. How do I maintain and clean a baby’s cradle?

Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for keeping your baby’s sleeping environment hygienic. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, use mild soap and water for wooden parts, and wash the bedding frequently. Ensure the cradle is dry before reassembling.

2. What kind of bedding should I use in a baby cradle?

Use a firm, well-fitting mattress with a fitted sheet designed for cradles. Avoid using pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals, as they can pose suffocation risks. Instead, opt for sleep sacks or swaddles to keep your baby warm.

3. Are bassinets and cradles the same?

While both provide a safe sleeping space for newborns, there are differences. Cradles often have a rocking feature and are typically larger, while bassinets are smaller and more portable. Consider your space and lifestyle when choosing between the two.

4. Are cradles safe for newborns?

Yes, cradles are safe for newborns when used correctly. Ensure the cradle meets current safety standards, has a firm mattress that fits snugly, and has no loose parts or sharp edges. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for assembly and use.

That’s it! Keep the above considerations in mind when buying a baby cradle for your little darling, and his safety and comfort will be assured. Good sleep and rest are essential for overall development in children, and the right cradle/crib will go a long way in ensuring this.

Also Read:

Bassinet vs Crib vs Cradle
How to Choose Safe Baby Products?
Choosing and Buying the Best Baby Monitor
Wonderful Ways To Keep Your Baby Safe and Protected